An indigenous group in Southern Nigeria, the Urhobo comprise approximately 1 million individuals, the majority of whom still reside in the Niger Delta region. A group that has received little attention from Western historians, the Urhobo trace their own history in the oral tradition back to neighboring tribes such as the Bini, Ijo, and Igbo. Although the Urhobo dialect of Ibu is the same as that of the Bini, the cultures and beliefs of the groups remain distinct.

Urhobo culture, while challenged by modernization, has changed little in the 500 years since its first contact with Westerners, who have come to learn about the Urhobo through their wooden ivwri sculptures and decennial religious ceremony to honor the edjo, or spirits. A number of notable individuals are Urhobo, including Olympic medalist Blessing Okagbare and artist Bruce Obomeyoma Onobrakpeya.

About the Author: Among the most notable businesswomen in Africa, Cecilia Ibru serves as the co-founder of the Michael and Cecilia Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of Nigerians. Her husband, Michael Ibru, has been honored as an Olorogun among the Urhobo people.